A Return Trip to the Minnesota State Fair

Dahlia and Jonah hadn't even been in the Twin Cities for a week when they started getting to know the local culture. There was no better place to begin than the Minnesota State Fair. Two years ago, Dahlia, who was barely walking at the time, and her dad joined her mom on a business trip to the Twin Cities. The highlight of the trip was a visit to the state fair. Little did they know back in 2008 that they would make a return trip to the fair two years later as Minnesota residents!

Checking out the livestock:

Dahlia enjoyed getting up close and personal with this alpaca:



One of the highlights of the state fair is the cuisine. If you want fried food on a stick, then the state fair is the place to go. Last time, Dahlia and her mom tried 14 different fried foods. (Her dad values his health and was much more selective.) This time, Dahlia brought her own appetite and her own (very strong) opinions about what she wanted.

The best part of the meal -- the always popular corn dog, also known as a pronto pup:

Oh no! There's no more! Where did it all go?



After begging and pleading and more begging and pleading, Dahlia convinced her parents to get her a SECOND hot dog. She polished it off in no time flat:

After dinner, it was time for one of Dahlia's favorite activities -- mini-carnival rides! Between Rye Playland, Victorian Gardens, and the Minnesota State Fair, Dahlia is turning into quite the carnival ride connoisseur. Her parents, meanwhile, are going bankrupt.

Driving a boat and taking Dad for a spin:

Who is having a better time on the ride, Dahlia or Dad?

Riding a train and going on a safari:

After running out of tickets, it was almost time to call it a night. But there was still one bit of unfinished business. Dahlia took her parents to the dairy building for some ice cream. It was the perfect way to end a fun outing!